Teaching Practice

Purpose of Practicum

The practicum provides a platform for observation and reflection, where pre-service teacher can learn from experienced teachers and refine my own teaching practices. It helps me build professional confidence, offers valuable feedback through mentorship, and fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Moreover, a practicum allows me to gain cultural and contextual awareness, adapting their teaching to the diverse needs of students. Finally, it serves as a stepping stone to networking and potential career opportunities within the education field.

Procedures of my Practicum

During my first week, I focused on observation. In the second week, I assisted in the classroom and conducted my demo teaching on Thursday. In the third week, I continued with my assistantship. Before my demo teaching, I submitted my lesson plan to my cooperating teacher for review and feedback.

Outcomes of Practicum

The outcomes of my practicum were both professional and personal, helping me grow as an educator. I enhanced my teaching skills, particularly in lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement. I also gained confidence in managing a classroom and delivering lessons to students with varying needs. The hands-on experience allowed me to apply educational theories in real-world settings, adapting to different teaching situations and student learning styles.

Through the feedback and guidance of my cooperating teacher, I developed a stronger sense of my teaching style and improved my ability to respond to students' individual needs. I also strengthened my communication skills, learning to explain concepts more clearly and collaborate effectively with other educators.

The practicum also deepened my understanding of the diverse cultural backgrounds of students and the importance of adapting my teaching methods to be more inclusive. Reflecting on my teaching practices, I identified areas where I could improve, such as time management and finding more effective ways to engage students.

Lastly, my practicum provided valuable networking opportunities, helping me build connections within the educational community and setting the foundation for my future career as a teacher.

The Challenges of Practicum

One of the main challenges I faced during my practicum was the language barrier. Since the students primarily spoke Bahasa Indonesia, it was sometimes difficult for me to communicate effectively, as I had to rely on English. To overcome this, I used body language, visual aids, and translated key terms into Bahasa Indonesia, which helped bridge the gap and ensure better understanding.

Another challenge was adapting my teaching style to meet the diverse needs of the students. Since the classroom included learners with varying levels of ability, I had to be flexible with my teaching methods and create differentiated activities that were appropriate for each student’s needs and learning pace. This required a lot of planning and constant adjustments throughout the lessons.

Despite these challenges, they were valuable learning experiences that helped me grow as a future teacher and improved my problem-solving skills. 

Overall Impression

Overall, my experience at SLB Autis Laboratorium and in Malang was both enriching and memorable. The school itself provided a welcoming environment that fostered my growth as a future educator. The staff were supportive, and my cooperating teacher was incredibly helpful in guiding me through the teaching process. The hands-on experience I gained allowed me to develop my teaching skills in a real-world setting, and the diversity of students challenged me to be creative and flexible in my approach to lesson planning and classroom management. 

Living in Malang was a wonderful adventure. Not only did I get to immerse myself in a new culture, but I also learned that navigating Malang's streets can be just as unpredictable as classroom management (pro tip: always carry an umbrella—it rains when you least expect it!). The locals were incredibly friendly, and I found myself laughing at my attempts to speak Bahasa Indonesia, often resulting in some hilarious (and sometimes embarrassing) moments. But hey, it's all part of the experience, right?

One of the best parts of the practicum was the friendships and connections I built. I made lifelong friends with my colleagues, fellow interns, and even the students. Whether it was bonding over nasi goreng (fried rice) or laughing at my attempts to explain a lesson in English, these friendships made the experience even more rewarding. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good food-related bonding session?

In conclusion, my practicum in Malang was a transformative and, at times, comical experience. It wasn’t just about becoming a better teacher, but also about learning how to adapt, laugh at myself, and appreciate the beautiful chaos of life in a new place. The connections I made and the memories I created will stay with me as I continue my journey toward becoming a teacher—and as someone who now knows how to better dodge raindrops! 

Suggestion for Future Improvement

Extending the internship period to at least 6-8 weeks would allow for more comprehensive preparation, more opportunities to practice teaching, and a better chance to form meaningful connections with students. This would also provide a more realistic timeline to plan, teach, and reflect on multiple lessons.